The former Raiders coach said on ESPN Monday night that he started as a low-level coach with the San Francisco 49ers and that Candlestick Park is gone. He coached the Raiders and the Coliseum will be empty in three years or sooner with a the franchise moving to Las Vegas.

As for Qualcomm Stadium, the site of his biggest moment when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Raiders in the Super Bowl? Empty, with the San Diego Chargers having moved to Los Angeles.

“That’s why I live in Tampa, myself,” the ESPN analyst said.

Gruden’s take is similar to many former employees. He feels bad for the Bay Area fans but understands the reasons for the move.

“I’m just sick to death that there no longer will be an Oakland Raiders brand,” Gruden said.

On the other hand, Las Vegas, Gruden said “should be thrilled” given the quality of the team that is coming to town.

“They’ve got a great team, a lot of young stars coming. But I’ll go back to the people in Oakland,” Gruden said. “They are as loyal a fan base as you’ll find. All you’ve got to do is look at the black hole on Youtube and it is as passionate a fan base as you’ll ever find.

“The good news for the Oakland fans is they’re still the Raiders and it’s not a far flight from Vegas to support your team. I hope they all stay together.”

Gruden doesn’t believe Raider fans will stop supporting the team in the interim between the move.

“I’d be surprised if they don’t treat them the way they always have,” Gruden said. “They love their Raiders and I think they know what Mark Davis has been through trying to keep the franchise in Oakland.

“All you’ve got to do is look at their stadium, look at their luxury boxes, and what kind of revenue they’re able to create compared to those other teams and it’s not fair, they had to do something, but I think those Raider fans are as true as can be and I think they’ll stay with their team no doubt.”